Ahead of the pack: Ditta Sandico, 40 years later

Long before “eco-fashion” became a global trend, Ditta Sandico was already blazing a trail in sustainable, ethical design. Her work centers on Banaca, a unique textile she helped innovate by weaving abaca — known as the world’s strongest natural fiber — with banana threads to create elegant, versatile pieces.

She was among the first Filipino designers to embrace timeless fashion, creating pieces meant to last a lifetime rather than follow fleeting trends.

Her commitment goes beyond design — it’s rooted in advocacy. Sandico has helped train, uplift, and provide livelihood to local artisans, turning their traditional skills into modern, wearable art. Her partnerships with the Tupa ng Baras weavers in Catanduanes and Mangyan Hanunuo, in particular, has led to the revival of hand embroidery and free-form storytelling through thread, with each piece bearing the soul of the community behind it.

“Fashion goes beyond the piece itself — it’s a dynamic expression of culture and identity,” Sandico shares. “Every wrap, every weave, every stitch is a story.”

Benefit fashion show

Sandico, a true pioneer of sustainable fashion in the Philippines, marked four illustrious decades in the industry with Quadrova, a benefit fashion show held on 29 May at the Manila House Private Club.

Putting the spotlight on her enduring influence in fashion and lifelong advocacy for empowering indigenous weaving communities, the event produced by JMG Infinity Events showcased four vibrant decades of her design journey.

From sculptural wraps to elegant silhouettes, the runway was graced by some of Philippine society’s most iconic muses, wearing signature pieces that echo strength, grace and heritage.

Supporting the show were famed jeweler Miladay Jewels and statement accessories from Farah Abu. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Mangyan Hanunuo indigenous embroiderers and weavers of Oriental Mindoro, one of the communities that Sandico has worked with for decades.

Sandico has already started building a multi-purpose hall, currently under construction for the Mangyan Hanunuo community. Proceeds from the show are seen to help complete the project and provide other benefits for the community.

As Sandico enters this new chapter, Quadrova becomes more than a show — it is a celebration of legacy, purpose and the enduring beauty of heritage woven into modern life.

Sandico is also unveiled her biographical book and showcased her fragrance and paintings during the show.